Interdisciplinary Studies Minor

Description. The field of Interdisciplinary Studies recognizes that we live in a complex and interrelated world.  This minor introduces students to the practices of interdisciplinarity:  using critical methods and bodies of knowledge from multiple disciplines to understand real-world issues and problems. A sophisticated comprehension of serious topics – such as sexual violence, mass incarceration, poverty, racial and economic inequality, environmental degradation, technological change, epidemics, or global migration, for example – requires analysis of dimensions that include the cultural, historical, political, psychological, social, gender, and economic. Through a pedagogy centered on active learning, students in the Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies develop critical thinking and analytical skills that prepare them to tackle the difficult topics and advanced work required in law and graduate schools and high-level careers.

Learning outcomes. Students will:

• Read, write, and communicate orally in response to a wide variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary texts.
• Analyze and synthesize ideas and information from multiple disciplinary sources and perspectives.
• Identify, articulate, and reflect upon theoretical and methodological differences among disciplines across the arts, humanities, and sciences.
• Select and apply appropriate tools from two or more disciplines to significant questions, issues, or problems that would benefit from interdisciplinary analysis.
• Construct knowledge together and collaborate effectively and respectfully.

Minor coordinator. Professor Amy Green, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (212.237.8352, agreen@jjay.cuny.edu)

Requirements. The minor in Interdisciplinary Studies requires a total of 18 credits of which 3 credits are required and 15 credits are electives. A maximum of two courses can overlap with a student’s major, other minor or program.

Total Credit Hours: 18